JACKSON, KY – (March 14, 2005) -- In order to repair a break in pavement and roadway collapse, the Kentucky Department of Highways plans to close a section of KY 80 in Perry County during daylight hours beginning Monday, March 21.

The portion of the road to be closed is between mile markers 0 and 1, just east of the Leslie County line. The road will be closed so steel can be driven to stabilize a slide, and so the collapsed portion of the roadway can be rebuilt.

Currently, one lane of traffic is open at the site of the break in pavement. The road will remain open to one-lane traffic at night when work is not taking place.

The road will be closed indefinitely until the repairs are complete. During the times the road is closed, traffic should use KY 118 (the Hyden Spur) and the Hal Rogers Parkway as a detour route between Hyden and Hazard. Eastbound KY 80 traffic should enter the Hal Rogers Parkway at Exit 44, and can return to KY 80 at Exit 56. Westbound KY 80 motorists should enter the Hal Rogers Parkway at Exit 56 and can return to KY 80 at Exit 44 via the Hyden Spur.